Spotlight on Bishop Eustace senior LB Nick Batastini

Batastini and the rest of the Bishop Eustace linebackers will be on center stage Friday night.

The Crusaders will host WJFL Independence Division rival Camden, the division's defending champion, in what figures to be a hard-hitting opener for both teams.

"We're going to have play big against their big linemen," Batastini said.

Camden's potent ground game, led by senior running back Thomas Johnson, will provide a challenge for Batistini and the rest of the Bishop Eustace defense.

A 5-foot-11, 205-pound athlete from Cherry Hill, Batastini is one of the leaders of a veteran defense that also includes linebackers Vinny Paola and Colin McCafferty.

Batistini led the Crusaders with 83 tackles last season, including 11 for a loss. He was a first-team all-division selection by the coaches.

Bishop Eustace went 4-6 last season, including a triple-overtime loss to Camden.

"That game is still in our minds," Batistini said. "But it's a new season and we have to look forward. It will be big to start 1-0, especially in the conference."

   - Phil Anastasia